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Biomedical subjects

E Wong

Publications and source records attributed to E Wong.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

[Microbiologic depuration of Anadara tuberculosa (Mollusca: Arcidae)].

In Costa Rica the mollusk Anadara tuberculosa represents a risk for human health due to the contamination of the growing waters and the fact that its is consumed raw. The families depending on the income obtained through commercialization of these animals have a low education and economic status. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop and evaluate simple methods of depuration that could be easily used by these families to make these mollusks safe for consumption. Bottles containing 11 of saline solution (25g/l) were prepared in duplicates to test the bactericidal effect of acetic acid. The solution in each bottle was adjusted to ph 4.5, 5.0 or 5.5 or held at ph of 7.0 or 8.0 for the controls. The solution in each bottle was then inoculated with approximately 1 X 104 cfu/ml of coliforms. Counts of coliforms were determined for each bottle 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours after inoculation. For the depuration studies, specimens with diameters ranging from 4.0 to 4.5 cm were collected from a harvester at the estuary of Puntarenas, Gulf of Nicoya. Fifty specimens each were depurated in separate tanks containing 25 1 of oxygenated saline solution adjusted with acetic acid to an initial ph of 4.5 (treatment) or non adjusted ph of 8.0 (control). Counts of Enterobacteriaceae were determined, in duplicates, every 12 hr for 48 hr. An additional fifty animals were depurated using the defined method and tested to determine if they met international standards of microbiological quality for aerobic plate count, Enterobacteriaceae count, Escherichia coli count and presence of Salmonella. A sensory evaluation using a triangle test was performed to compare a typical dish prepared with depurated or non-depurated animals. A significant coliform reduction was determined in a saline solution (25 g/l) at a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. This reduction, during 8 hr, was higher in the acid treatments compared to the controls. During depuration, the elimination of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria was faster when acetic was used (initial ph = 4.5) than when it was not. This elimination was more important the first 24 hr, time defined as adequate for the application of the method. The method has the advantage of transforming the bivalve in a product that is safe for human consumption, since it guarantees that the international standards of microbiological quality, for raw and depurated mollusks, are reached. On the other hand, the sensory qualities of a typical dish prepared with depurated animals are not affected by the method, which can be easily implemented and applied by the people that work in the extraction of this mollusk.

Acetic Acid↗

Meta-analysis of respiratory rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory rehabilitation is increasingly recognised as an important part of the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The widespread application of such programmes should be preceded by evidence of directly attributable improvements in function. We assessed the effect of respiratory rehabilitation on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with COPD. METHODS: We carried out a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of respiratory rehabilitation in patients with COPD that assessed functional or maximal exercise capacity, HRQL, or both. Respiratory rehabilitation was defined as exercise training (for at least 4 weeks) with or without education, psychological support, or both. The most commonly used measure for HRQL was the chronic respiratory questionnaire, in which responses were presented on a 7-point scale. The control groups received no rehabilitation. Within each trial and for each outcome an effect size was calculated; the effect sizes were then pooled by a random-effects model. The overall effect of treatment was compared with its minimum clinically important difference (MCID)--defined as the smallest difference perceived as important by the average patient. FINDINGS: We included 14 trials. Significant improvements were found for all the outcomes. For two important features of HRQL, dyspnoea and mastery, the overall treatment effect was larger than the MCID: 1.0 (95% CI 0.6-1.5) and 0.8 (0.5-1.2), respectively, compared with an MCID of 0.5. For functional exercise capacity (6-min walk test), the overall effect was 55.7 m (27.8-92.8), and for maximum exercise capacity (incremental cycle ergometer test), 8.3 W (2.8-16.5). Functional exercise capacity showed heterogeneity that could not be explained by the sensitivity analyses. INTERPRETATION: Respiratory rehabilitation relieves dyspnoea and improves the control over COPD. These improvements are clinically important. The value of the improvement in exercise capacity is not clear. Respiratory rehabilitation is an effective part of care in patients with COPD.

Exercise Therapy↗

Mechanism of selective inhibition of human prostaglandin G/H synthase-1 and -2 in intact cells.

Selective inhibitors of prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGHS-2) possess potent anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties but demonstrate reduced side-effects (e.g. gastrotoxicity) when compared with nonselective inhibitors of PGHS-1 and -2. We investigated the mechanism of the differential inhibition of human PGHS-1 (hPGHS-1) and -2 (hPGHS-2) in intact cells by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and examined factors that contribute to the increased potency of PGHS inhibitors observed in intact cells versus cell-free systems. In intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines stably expressing the hPGHS isozymes, both PGHS isoforms exhibited the same affinity for arachidonic acid. Exogenous and endogenous arachidonic acid were used as substrates by both CHO [hPGHS-1] and CHO [hPGHS-2] cell lines. However, differences were observed in the ability of the hPGHS isoforms to utilize endogenous arachidonic acid released intracellularly following calcium ionophore stimulation or released by human cytosolic phospholipase A2 transiently expressed in the cells. Cell-based screening of PGHS inhibitors demonstrated that the selectivities and potencies of PGHS inhibitors determined using intact cells are affected by substrate concentration and differ from that determined in cell-free microsomal or purified enzyme preparations of PGHS isozymes. The mechanism of inhibition of PGHS isozymes by NSAIDs in intact cells involved difference in their time-dependent inhibition. Indomethacin displayed time-dependent inhibition of cellular hPGHS-1 and -2. In contrast, the selective PGHS-2 inhibitor NS-398 exhibited time-independent inhibition of hPGHS-1 but time-dependent inhibition of hPGHS-2 in intact cells. Reversible inhibition of cellular CHO [hPGHS-1] and CHO [hPGHS-2] was observed with the nonselective NSAIDs ibuprofen and indomethacin, whereas inhibition by the selective PGHS-2 inhibitor DuP-697 was reversible against hPGHS-1 but irreversible against hPGHS-2.

Animals↗

Effect of oral estradiol on Lp(a) and other lipoproteins in postmenopausal women. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Lp(a) lipoprotein level is an independent risk factor for premature coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident. Concentrations of this lipoprotein tend to increase after menopause. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether oral estrogen was effective in lowering concentrations of Lp(a) lipoprotein in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted during a 12-month period in 100 postmenopausal women who had undergone hysterectomy. They were randomized into two groups: group 1 received oral estradiol, 2 mg/d, for the first 6 months and placebo for the second, and group 2 received these treatments in the reverse order. After completion of the crossover study, the effect of prolonged administration of oral estradiol was examined by placing all patients on active treatment and repeating the lipoprotein measurements approximately 12 months later. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between the two groups at the commencement of the study (median concentration of Lp[a] lipoprotein, 10.78 mg/dL [range, 2.2 to 108.5 mg/dL] in group 1 and 12.74 mg/dL [range, 0.8 to 98.1 mg/dL] in group 2). Crossover analysis showed a 9.62% reduction in values of Lp(a) lipoprotein with estradiol treatment compared with placebo during 12 months of treatment (P < .001). With prolonged treatment, the median concentration of Lp(a) lipoprotein for those in group 1 decreased from 8.12 mg/dL (range, 1.05 to 57.4 mg/dL) to 5.77 mg/dL (range, 0.84 to 75.39 mg/dL) (P < .001). In group 2, the median concentration decreased from 8.19 mg/dL (range, 2.52 to 99.82 mg/dL) to 7.07 mg/dL (range, 0.70 to 48.79 mg/dL), but this difference was not significant (P = .63). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the beneficial effect of oral estradiol on the basic lipoprotein pattern and demonstrate that this treatment is effective in reducing concentrations of Lp(a) lipoprotein in postmenopausal women.

Administration, Oral↗

Nitric oxide synthase in the olfactory mucosa of the larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus).

The use of nitric oxide, a product of enzymatic reduction of L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase, as a modulator of processes within the olfactory mucosa was investigated in larval sea lampreys, extant fish of ancient vertebrate origin. In the present study, we demonstrated that the sea lamprey olfactory mucosa is specifically sensitive to L-arginine, that the L-arginine responses are inhibited by an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, N omega-nitro-L-arginine, and that nitric oxide synthase is present in olfactory receptor cells, sustentacular cells, and basal cells. Electron microscopic examination using NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry revealed intense labeling within secretory vesicles of sustentacular cells and in proximity to mitochondria within olfactory receptor cell dendrites and sustentacular cells. At the base of the olfactory epithelium, NADPH-diaphorase staining was intense in the perinuclear cytoplasm of a subpopulation of basal cells, moderate in sustentacular cell foot processes, and scattered in olfactory receptor cell axons. Throughout axons in the olfactory epithelium and the lamina propria, labeling predominated in axonal profiles with mitochondria. These physiological and ultrastructural studies imply that in sea lamprey larvae, nitric oxide modulates peri-receptor events of L-arginine chemostimulation, olfactory receptor cell axonal activity, and developmental processes.

Animals↗

Transient protection of human T-cells from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection by transduction with adeno-associated viral vectors which express RNA decoys.

RNA decoys are oligonucleotides corresponding to the TAR and RRE sequences of HIV which inhibit the HIV-encoded regulatory proteins Tat and Rev, respectively. Adeno-associated viral vectors encoding RNA decoys stably transduced into the human T-cell line CEM-SS expressed transactivating region (TAR) and Rev-responsive element (RRE) RNA decoys from tRNA polIII promoters at high levels, without any apparent deleterious effects on cell growth or expression of CD4. DNA blot analysis indicated that RNA decoy-encoding vectors were not rearranged and were integrated into the genomic DNA of selected cell lines. Vector DNA with the appropriate TAR and RRE sequences was isolated from transduced cell lines after prolonged growth in culture, further confirming that the vector DNA was present in a stable form through multiple cell cycles. Cell lines expressing TAR and RRE decoys transiently inhibited HIV gene expression and replication by 70-99% as determined by measurement of intracellular and extracellular HIV p24 production. Adeno-associated vectors encoding RNA decoys may be useful for gene therapy of HIV infection.

Cell Line↗

Newly established MST-1 tumour cell line and tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte culture from a patient with soft tissue melanoma (clear cell sarcoma) and their potential applications to patient immunotherapy.

The establishment and characterisation of paired autologous tumour cell line (MST-1) and tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) culture from a tumour mass of a 14-year-old Taiwanese girl with soft tissue melanoma are described. MST-1 cells grown in vitro were heterogeneous in morphology, ranging from floating round cells, loosely attached round/oval or elongated cells with prominent pseudopod-like processes, to well-attached spindle and elongated dendritic cells without obvious pseudopods. Immunostaining revealed that major melanoma-associated antigens, such as S100 protein, HMB-45, melanotransferrin, chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan, and the gangliosides GD2 and GD3, were consistently expressed by the tumour tissue, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse xenograft and derived cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis of the tumour DNA content showed an index of 1.8 relative to normal peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA. Chromosome analysis revealed all cells at a hypotetraploid level with several clonal chromosome aberrations, including deletions at 10p and 12q, an addition at 12q, translocations t(1;14) and t(5;6). Electron microscopy showed melanosome structures. This observation and the expression of the major melanoma-associated antigens were all indicative of the melanocytic origin of MST-1 tumour. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) expanded TILs had the predominant CD8+ phenotype and the capacity to lyse cells of the cultured autologous tumour. The availability of the soft tissue melanoma cell line, the SCID mouse xenograft tumour system as well as autologous TILs described herein would provide useful materials for identifying T-cell-defined antigens as well as a model system for devising individualised cancer biotherapeutic strategies. This cell line can also be used for further studies aimed at uncovering the histogenesis of this rare cancer.

Adolescent↗

Theoretical developments on fast Fourier transform convolution dose calculations in inhomogeneous media.

A theory is presented on dose calculations in inhomogeneous media that takes advantage of fast Fourier transform (FFT) convolution for practical three-dimensional treatment planning using photon beams. While the initial work of Boyer and Mok [Med. Phys. 13, 503-509 (1986)] provided a theory which is based on first principles, it failed to give satisfactory predictions inside inhomogeneities. Subsequently, Zhu and Boyer [Phys. Med. Biol. 35, 351-368 (1990)] showed that their formulas agreed well with measured data, but these formulas were empirically altered from Boyer and Mok's. In this work, Boyer and Mok's first-order theory is extended to include second-order inhomogeneity effects. A new correction dose formula is derived which corrects the first scattered dose due to the presence of inhomogeneities. This correction dose formula works better than Zhu and Boyer's empirical correction dose formula. Furthermore, the primary dose formula used by Zhu and Boyer, which was empirically modified from Boyer and Mok's, is justified theoretically. Clear statements are made about the assumptions and the approximations that enter into the derivation which in turn uncover the limitations of this FFT convolution dose calculation.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

A cytotoxic NK-cell line (NK-92) for ex vivo purging of leukemia from blood.

Myeloablative chemo-/radiotherapy supported by transplantation of autologous bone marrow or blood progenitor cells for acute leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma continues to be associated with a high relapse rate because of the infusion of malignant stem cells and the lack of an in vivo graft-vs.-leukemia (GVL) effect. Although various methods of purging are established for marrow, purging procedures for blood progenitor cell preparations have not been widely used primarily because of the technical challenges to process a higher number of cells. As a broadly applicable method for immunological purging, we tested whether highly cytotoxic cells from a natural killer (NK) cell line characterized previously (NK-92) could be used for immunological purging of blood preparations. The NK-92 cell line, which was established from a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, can lyse in vitro a broad range of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma cell lines even at very low effector:target (E:T) ratios; this lysis is superior to cytotoxicity obtained from normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated for 4 days with interleukin (IL)-2. In an attempt to quantitate the purging achievable with NK-92 cells, normal PBMCs were spiked with 10% K562 cells that had been transfected with the neo(r) marker gene (K562-neo(r). Various numbers of NK-92 cells were then added to the cell mixtures, which were incubated for 4 or 48 hours at 37 degrees C with or without IL-2 (500 U/mL). In order to prevent their proliferation, NK-92 cells were irradiated with 1000 cGy (cesium source). This radiation dose was determined to suppress proliferation of NK-92 cells, but at the same time maintain full cytotoxic activity. After co-culture, the cells were plated in methylcellulose containing 0.8 mg/mL G418. The number of surviving K562-neo(r) colonies was counted under the microscope 7 days later and the results were considered a quantitative readout for the purging efficacy of NK-92 cells. No neomycin-resistant K562 colonies could be detected up to a ratio of NK-92:K562-neo(r) cells of 5:1 (effective NK-92:PBMC ratio of 0.5:1). The presence or absence of IL-2 during the culture period did not affect the results. At this ratio of NK-92:PBMC, the growth of normal clonogenic hematopoietic progenitor cells was not compromised as determined by a standard methylcellulose assay. Considering that K562 is a rapidly proliferating cell line and that the input number of K562 cells (10%) tested here was high, the data suggest that the cytotoxic NK-92 clone (after irradiation to prevent proliferation) could be used effectively for immunological ex vivo purging without compromising hematopoietic cell function.

Cell Separation↗

Cytochrome P450 1A1 promoter as a genetic switch for the regulatable and physiological expression of a plasma protein in transgenic mice.

Transgenic and gene knockout techniques allow for in vivo study of the consequences of adding or subtracting specific genes. However, in some instances, such as the study of lethal mutations or of the physiological consequences of changing gene expression, turning on and off an introduced gene at will would be advantageous. We have used cytochrome p450 1A1 promoter to drive expression of the human apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene in transgenic mice. In six independent lines, robust expression of the transgene depended upon injection of the inducer beta-naphthoflavone, whereas the seventh line had high basal expression that was augmented further by the inducer. The low level of basal expression in an inducer-dependent line was confirmed upon breeding the transgene onto the hypercholesterolemic apoE-deficient background. In the basal state transgene expression was physiologically insignificant, as these mice were as hypercholesterolemic as their nontransgenic apoE-deficient littermates. When injected with the inducer, plasma cholesterol levels of the transgenic mice decreased dramatically as apoE expression was induced to yield greater than physiological levels in plasma. The inducer could pass transplacentally from an injected mother to her fetuses with concomitant induction of fetal transgene mRNA. Inducer could also pass via breast milk from an injected mother to her suckling neonatal pups, giving rise to the induction of human apoE in neonate plasma. These finding suggest a strategy to temporarily ameliorate genetic deficiencies that would otherwise lead to fetal or neonatal lethality.

Animals↗

Lens epithelial cell mRNA, II. Expression of a mRNA encoding a lipid-binding protein in rat lens epithelial cells.

A lens epithelial (LE) cell cDNA clone, designated pLELBP, was isolated by subtraction-hybridization methods between a 4-week-old rat LE cell and rat lens fiber cell lambda ZAP cDNA libraries. The cDNA contained 683 bp, an ATG at bp 42, and an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 135 amino acids (aa), and a poly(A) signal at bp 641 (GenBank/EMBL accession No. U13253). Northern blot analysis showed that the lens mRNA was at a concentration that exceeded 100-fold that found in non-ocular tissues examined, except in skin it was found at levels equal to about 1/15 of the lens levels. In the retina, it was also found at about 1/15 of that present in the lens. By in situ hybridization analysis, the sense RNA was localized to the LE cells and to the glial cells of the retina, and negligibly to the lens fiber cells. Search of GenBank, EMBL and SwissProt data bases revealed that the LE cell mRNA and its aa encoded protein showed extensive sequence homology to members of the cytosolic lipid-binding protein (LBP) family. It matched to 91% in aa sequence homology to the protein encoded by ORF of mal1 cDNA, isolated from mouse skin squamous cell carcinoma [Krieg et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268 (1993) 17362-17369], and 99% in aa sequence homology to the protein encoded by ORF of rat skin LBP mRNA [Watanabe et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 200 (1994) 253-259]. Occurrence of high levels of mRNA for a specific LBP in the LE cells relative to other non-ocular tissues is consistent with a hypothesis that the encoded protein may be involved in several lens epithelial cell-specific mechanisms, possibly including differentiation, protective and nutritional processes.

Animals↗

Localization of neutral endopeptidase in the ovine uterus and conceptus during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11), an enzyme which metabolizes several peptides (including oxytocin and endothelins) implicated in the control of uterine function, was found to be localized in the ovine uterus throughout the oestrous cycle and in the uterus and conceptus during early pregnancy, using immunohistochemical techniques. Positive NEP immunoreactivity was found in the endometrium principally in stromal cells, in the vasculature in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, and also weakly in some glandular epithelial cells. In a layer of stromal fibroblasts several cells in thickness underlying the luminal epithelium, staining was much weaker than that in the deeper stromal cells throughout the period examined. NEP staining was also present in smooth muscle cells of the myometrium at all times, and was most intense in the layer of cells adjacent to the endometrium. In the conceptus, NEP immunohistochemical staining was found in uninucleate cells, but not in binucleate trophoblast cells, in epithelial cells of the allantois and amnion, and in the heart and brain of the Day-20 embryo. In ovariectomized ewes treated with oestrogen or progesterone separately or remaining untreated, immunohistochemical staining of NEP was stronger when compared with intact ewes, in caruncular and intercaruncular stroma and epithelia, in glands, in the vasculature and in myometrium. The staining was less intense in all cell types in ewes receiving oestrogen plus progesterone. The expression of NEP and its specific regionalization within the uterus indicate a mechanism by which the availability of biologically important peptides involved in the regulation of the oestrous cycle and implantation, including oxytocin and endothelin, can be controlled by regulation of their metabolism.

Animals↗

A double-blind comparison of inhaled budesonide, long-acting theophylline, and their combination in treatment of nocturnal asthma.

In 61 patients with nocturnal asthma, the effects of budesonide, an inhaled steroid (Pulmicort; 200 micrograms twice daily), long-acting theophylline (Theodur; 200 mg twice daily), and their combination were compared. After a 2-week placebo run-in period, the patients were entered into double-blind, crossover periods of 3 weeks. Patients were allowed to use inhaled beta 2-agonists as required throughout the study. Morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (percentage of predicted normal +/- SEM) was significantly higher during the budesonide (morning 77 +/- 1%; evening 80 +/- 1%) and combination therapy (morning 79 +/- 1%; evening 81 +/- 1%) than the theophylline treatment (morning 74 +/- 1%; evening 76 +/- 1%; P < 0.01, respectively). Significantly fewer sleep disturbances and fewer nighttime inhalations of beta 2-agonists were required during budesonide and combination therapy than theophylline treatment. No statistically significant differences were seen between combined therapy and budesonide alone. Budesonide, an inhaled steroid, was significantly better than the bronchodilator, theophylline, in controlling nocturnal asthma, but no additional improvement in efficacy was seen when the drugs were used in combination.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Temporal headaches and associated symptoms relating to the styloid process and its attachments.

The styloid process is a slender spike-like bony process that is attached to the base of the skull that has been of interest to physicians for centuries. From this process is the attachment for five structures--three muscles and two ligaments are attached to it. Any of these soft tissues of the styloid process are prone to be torn due to trauma by way of detachment of the periosteum from the bone. These lesions may occur from auto accidents, falls, sports injuries, to prolonged medical or dental procedures requiring excessive mouth opening. The detachment of Sharpey's fibres results in the release of noxious chemicals such as kinins, histamines, prostaglandins, etc, which can produce a withdrawal reflex, causing muscle tension, ischaemia, spasm and pain. Pain transmission via C fibres may induce a host of autonomic responses as well. We have observed 11 common pains and symptoms that are associated with soft tissue lesions of the styloid process and stylomandibular ligament. They are (1) headaches localised in the anterior temporal fossa, (2) sore throat and difficulty swallowing in the absence of inflammation, (3) pain radiating to the temporomandibular joint and ear, (4) voice alteration, (5) dry, non-productive cough, (6) pain in the masseter muscle, (7) restricted mandibular opening or the "closed lock", (8) development of the "open lock", (9) sinusitis, congested stuffy nose or post nasal drip, (10) tinnitus, and (11) excessive lacrimation and bloodshot eyes. A few drops of local anesthetic into the styloid process and stylomandibular ligament attachment can temporarily relieve the pain and symptoms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Headache↗

Successful management of female office workers with "repetitive stress injury" or "carpal tunnel syndrome" by a new treatment modality--application of low level laser.

Female office workers with desk jobs who are incapacitated by pain and tingling in the hands and fingers are often diagnosed by physicians as "repetitive stress injury" (RSI) or "carpal tunnel syndrome" (CTS). These patients usually have poor posture with their head and neck stooped forward and shoulders rounded; upon palpation, they have pain and tenderness at the spinous processes C5-T1 and the medial angle of the scapula. In 35 such patients we focused the treatment primarily at the posterior neck area and not the wrists and hands. A low level laser (100 mW) was used and directed at the tips of the spinous processes C5-T1. The laser rapidly alleviated the pain and tingling in the arms, hands and fingers, and diminished tenderness at the involved spinous processes. Thereby, it has become apparent that many patients labelled as having RSI or CTS have predominantly cervical radicular dysfunction resulting in pain to the upper extremities which can be managed by low level laser. Successful long-term management involves treating the soft tissue lesions in the neck combined with correcting the abnormal head, neck and shoulder posture by taping, cervical collars, and clavicle harnesses as well as improved work ergonomics.

Adult↗

Sera from some patients with antibody-associated paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis/sensory neuronopathy recognize the Ro-52K antigen.

Screening a small cell lung cancer cDNA library with serum from a patient with antibody-associated paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy (Anti-Hu syndrome) resulted in the isolation of a cDNA clone encoding the Ro-52 kD antigen. The Ro-52 kD antigen is one of the major antigens recognized by the sera of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. Further investigation revealed that the sera of only a small percentage (4%) of patients with the Hu syndrome reacted with Ro-52 kD antigen. The cross-reactivity may result from a domain of high homology between Ro-52 kD and HuD antigen. These results emphasize the necessity of using recombinant antigens whenever possible when assaying for assaying for specific antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗